Obituaries

Virginia Ramsey Lankford, 91, of Martinsville, VA passed away Monday, June 10, 2019 at her home. She was born January 28, 1928 in Chatham, VA to the late Estelle Shelhorse Ramsey and Jesse P. Ramsey. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her step-mother, Mary Sue Reynolds Ramsey; husband, Fred Lankford, Jr.; son, Jackie Conrad Lankford; brother, Eldridge Ramsey; infant brother, Jack Ramsey, and infant granddaughter, Brittany Lankford.

Virginia’s love for the Lord was shown through the way she lived her life. She was an active member of Hillcrest Baptist Church, where she was a Sunday school teacher for several years. Virginia also served on various committees, volunteered with Bible School and the Meals on Wheels program. Her faithfulness was also shown as she financially supported her church and missions each month. Virginia greatly loved her church family and was always so appreciative of the many visits and cards she would receive from members of the Hillcrest congregation. Virginia and Fred had a special fondness for Pastor Doug Ramsey who was a wonderful friend, as well as, a comfort to them in times of need.

Her early life was difficult with losing her mother at an early age. Virginia and her brothers, Eldridge and Hubert had to stay with different relatives until her father found his second love, Mary Sue, who became an inspiration to Virginia, as well as, a very nurturing mother. Virginia became big sister to two more brothers, Jessie Ramsey of Greensboro, NC, married to Pat Ramsey and Jerry Ramsey of Clarksville, VA, married to Rolene Ramsey.

Virginia finished her high school education at Martinsville High School and began her working career as a nurse in training at the Strafford Hospital in Martinsville. This ended when she met Fred Lankford, Jr. who changed her life in so many ways, starting with an elopement. A family soon started, and Virginia had to switch careers becoming a spinner with the new DuPont Textile plant. After she retired from DuPont, a new and unexpected job came available…she and Fred began delivering glass for their children’s glass business. The two made many deliveries for Glass Dynamics, becoming a vital part of the company’s initial success, plus, their adventures were a source of many amusing stories! Fred and Virginia had over 50 years together; filled with many adventures, mishaps, and lots of love.

Virginia was most beloved by her family… from her sons and daughter to her great-grandchildren. In 2018, Virginia was greatly saddened by the loss of her first born son, Conrad Lankford of Summerfield, NC. In failing health herself, she still managed to give him as much love and support as she could while he went through cancer treatments. Virginia is survived by Conrad’s wife, Frances Lankford, and their daughter, Heather Lankford Whitt and husband Matt, and their two sons, Mason and Colton Whitt …all from Summerfield, NC. Her second surviving son is Bobby Lankford of Ridgeway, VA. Bobby gave her three grandchildren, Michael Lankford, from Summerfield NC, married to Kristy Lankford and daughter, Claire. Next is Shana Lankford Scott of Ridgeway, VA, married to Bryan Scott, their two sons, Rustin and Sawyer Donavant. Bobby’s third child and Virginia’s youngest grandchild is Abbie Lankford. Virginia is also survived by her third son, Fred Lankford III of High Point, NC, married to Fran Lankford, daughter, Lindsay Lankford Rollins of Richmond, VA, married to Clay Rollins. Freddie and Fran have a son, Austin Lankford of Raleigh, NC. Last but not least, Virginia is survived by her daughter, Patsy Lankford Oliver of Ridgeway VA, married to Sherman Oliver. Patsy gave Virginia three grandchildren and four great grandchildren with one on the way. Tracie Oliver Sims of Lanexa, VA, married to Eric Sims, with two children, Olivia and Parker. Justin Oliver of San Francisco, married to Sarah Oliver who is expecting their first child, and Patricia (Patty) Oliver Howard of Lanexa, VA, married to Kevin Howard with two children, Carlee and Owen Howard.

Virginia led an exemplary life, an example of what is good and kind in life to her children. She was the glue that kept the family together, always giving the encouragement needed to follow their dreams. She loved her children best through the examples she gave by living an honest life, being appreciative for what she had, always looking for the good in others and having a dedicated work ethic. Virginia will always live on in the hearts of her children.

A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday, June 14, 2019 at Hillcrest Baptist Church with Pastor Doug Ramsey officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service from 12 noon to 1 p.m. and other times at the home of her daughter, Patsy Oliver, 45 Sheffield Road, Ridgeway, VA. Burial will follow at Roselawn Burial Park.

Memorial donations may be made to Hillcrest Baptist Church, 18075 A.L. Philpott Hwy., Ridgeway, VA 24148.

Norris Funeral Services, Inc. and Crematory of Martinsville, VA is serving the Lankford family. Online condolences may be made at www.norrisfuneral.com.

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